Aggrenox

Why is this drug prescribed: Aggrenox is prescribed to stave off a stroke in people who have had a "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack) or a full-scale stroke due to a blood clot blocking an artery in the brain.
Both the ingredients in Aggrenox prevent the formation of clots by interfering with the tendency of blood platelets to clump together. However, the two ingredients together are more effective at preventing strokes than either ingredient taken alone. Aggrenox doesn't eliminate the possibility of a stroke; but it does reduce the odds by almost six percentage points during the first two years of treatment.

Most important fact about this drug: Because of the aspirin in Aggrenox, this product cannot be used by people who have an allergy to aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Naprosyn, or by people who suffer asthma attacks after taking aspirin.

How should you take this medication: Aggrenox should be taken once in the morning and once in the evening. The capsule should be swallowed whole without chewing. This drug may be taken with or without food.
--If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.
--Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature and protect from excessive moisture.

Why should this drug not be prescribed: You should not take Aggrenox if you have ever had an allergic reaction to aspirin, dipyridamole, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. You should also avoid this drug if you have asthma, a persistent runny nose, or nasal polyps, or if you have severe liver or kidney disease.
Aspirin can cause a dangerous brain disorder called Reye's Syndrome in children and teenagers who have a viral illness. Since Aggrenox contains aspirin, it is not recommended for children or teenagers.

Special warnings about this medication: The aspirin in Aggrenox can cause stomach bleeding. You should avoid this drug if you have a stomach ulcer, and should use it with care if you have liver disease or any kind of bleeding disorder. (Regular heavy drinking increases the danger of bleeding problems.) Also, be sure to tell the doctor that you are taking Aggrenox if you have a medical emergency or plan to have surgery or dental work.
The dipyridamole in Aggrenox causes blood vessels to expand and should be used cautiously by people with heart disease, especially those with chest pain (unstable angina) or a recent heart attack. It can make chest pain worse and trigger episodes of very low blood pressure.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication: If Aggrenox is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Aggrenox with following:
ACE inhibitors (heart and blood pressure medications such as Capoten and Vasotec)
Acetazolamide (Diamox)
Blood pressure medications classified as beta-blockers, including Inderal, Sectral, and Tenormin
Blood-thinning drugs such as Coumadin
Gout medications such as Benemid and Anturane
Methotrexate (Rheumatrex)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Advil, Motrin, and Indocin
Oral diabetes drugs such as Diabinese and Micronase
Seizure medications such as Depakene and Dilantin
Water pills (diuretics) such as Lasix and HydroDiuril
If you suffer from the muscle disease myasthenia gravis, treatment with Aggrenox may interfere with your drug therapy.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding: Aggrenox should be avoided during the final 3 months of pregnancy, and should be taken during the first 6 months only if its benefits outweigh the possibility of harm to the developing baby. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Use Aggrenox with caution if you are breastfeeding a baby.

Recommended dosage: The recommended dosage of Aggrenox is one capsule twice a day, in the morning and evening.

Overdosage: Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of Aggrenox overdose may include:
Dizziness, flushes, irregular heartbeat, restlessness, ringing in the ears, sweating, warm feeling, weakness